Book Description

Book Description
Kabuki traces its origins to exactly the same era as Shakespeare. As the legendary Izumo no Okuni was entertaining spectators with her "kabuki dance revue" in Koyto, Shakespeare's four great tragedies were opening in rapid succession in London.

The art of Kabuki was never intended to mirror life but to be something more grandiose, more spectacular. Kabuki unashamedly makes use of the crudest as well as the most subtle theatrical devices to achieve its ends. The magnificence of the scenery, the costumes, and the music are devised to excite
even the most jaded theatergoer.

With an introduction by Donald Keene explaining the Kabuki Theater and an informative commentary by Kabuki literati Iwao Kamimura, Kabuki Today captures the essence of Kabuki its characteristics, tradition, principal stage features, makeup and costumes, stories, characters, outstanding actors, dance
and music, and ongoing growth.

Including beautiful photographs by Shunji Ohkura, a devoted follower of the art for over thirty years, Kabuki Today is a visual marvel sure to thrill Kabuki enthusiasts, as well as those who have never experienced its magic firsthand. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is a sumptuous, oversized collection of photographs by a celebrated Japanese photographer of the actor Bando Tamasaburo, a rising young star on the Kabuki stage, and a specialist in the refined art of the "onagata", or female roles traditionally played by men. Bando gave Shinoyama Kishin unprecedented access into the secluded and tradition-bound world of Kabuki, allowing the photographer to create an intimate and diverse portrait of a multi-talented artist. An absolute must for Kabuki enthusiasts or Japanophiles. (Published entirely in Japanese by Kodasha.) ... Read more